1. Resumes & Cover Letters

2. Agenda Review the Basics Outline Targeting Cover Letters
1. Purpose of a Resume
2. General Tips
3. Formatting
Outline
1. Heading
2. Objective
3. Education
4. Experience
-Bullet points
5. Skills
Targeting
Cover Letters

3. What’s the Purpose?
To get you an interview!

4. Reality Check… You have 1 minute or less to:
On average, an employer will look at your resume for one minute or less.
You have 1 minute or less to:
1. Make a good first impression
2. Communicate your relevant skills
3. Highlight your qualifications
4. Highlight your experiences
5. Show them you’re a good fit!

5. General Tips Tailor it Keep it to one page Be honest
No personal pronouns
Don’t include references
No personal information age, hobbies, etc.
Proofread and have others proofread again
Use keywords

6. Basic Formatting Attractive Easy to Read
Use indentations, bullets, lines, bold and capital letters
.5 - 1” margins
10-12 point font- Simple and consistent
Reverse chronological order

7. Resume Outline Header Objective Education Honors/Awards (if relevant)
Relevant Courses (optional)
Experience
Activities
Skills

8. Header Information No one “correct” header Include:
Name, address, phone,
List the best phone number where you can be reached
Keep and voice mail professional

9. Objective A statement of goals for your employment
Be Specific and Concise
Can include job title, industry, and competencies or skills you would like to use in your position
Optional Section
Cover letter
Job fairs
Careful about Primary Resume in Careerolina

10. Education First section (after objective)
College, Study Abroad, High School
Degree, Major(s), Minor(s), Concentration
Double major rules
Graduation Dates (or anticipated)
List GPA if 3.0 or higher (overall and/or major)
2 decimal places only

11. Example EDUCATION University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Bachelor of Arts Public Policy, Expected Graduation, May 2017
Minor in Psychology
GPA: 3.25

12. Optional Sections Relevant Coursework Honors
Include classes where relevant skill or knowledge was gained
Honors
List scholarships, academic honors, dean’s list

13. Experience What to include: Divide into types of experience Format:
Jobs, Internships, Volunteer, Clubs, Organizations, Shadowing, Class projects
Divide into types of experience
Relevant, leadership, industry, volunteer
Format:
Be consistent
Simple bullets

14. Section Outline RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
UNC Student Congress, Chapel Hill, NC
Elected Representative, October 2013-Present
Participate in the formation of policies and writing of bills concerning budgeting for student groups
Represent the interests of first year students
Student Council, Chapel Hill, NC
Student Body President, September 2012-May 2013
Presided over all student council meetings
Delegated tasks to committees
Announced upcoming events to student body

15. Strong Bullet Points Lead with strong action verbs
Focus on YOUR role in a group
Focus on accomplishments, results
Quantify when possible
Don’t:
Be passive
Talk about what you learned
Provide a list of duties- focus on skills!
Use first person

16. Example
“I was responsible for yearly off-site training courses for team members”
“Created and managed a technical training program of 8 off-site courses serving 300+ team members, resulting in a 20% increase in work productivity.”

17. Skills Include: Do not include:
Computer, Social Media, Lab, Language
Certifications
Do not include:
Communication, public speaking, organizational and similar skills – show those “in action”
Place this section in the resume that markets you the best

18. Customizing Your Resume
What is the employer looking for?
Employer Me
Time I did marketing for the collegiate conference
Retail job, internship collaborations, campus club
Led campus club
Organized 3 events during internship
Social media skills
Communication skills
Leadership abilities
Strong organization skills

19. Targeted, Concise Resume

20. What Is a Cover Letter? An introduction that:
Explains your qualifications and fit
Arouses the employer’s interest and gets their attention
Highlights important information on your resume
Should not duplicate resume
It is NOT a personal statement
Must be tailored to individual position!
Personal statements are mainly used by graduate schools and not employers

21. Before You Write… Gather key info:
name
address
title
company facts, etc.
Read and highlight the job description
What is important to them?

22. Tone Strike a balance: Stay positive
stress enthusiasm for the position
don’t be overconfident
don’t be desperate
Stay positive
Maintain consistent tone throughout

23. Example
I hope you will consider me for this marketing internship. I will not let you down, as I am sure that I am the right candidate for the position.
I look forward to the opportunity to interview for this position. I believe that my academic background, as well as my prior experience as an account coordinator and communications intern make me well-suited for this position.

24. Style Be concise Be consistent Vary sentence structure Proofread!
Keep it to one page
Be consistent
Font, size
Vary sentence structure
Avoid beginning every sentence or paragraph with the word “I”
Proofread!

25. Before & After
I gained invaluable insight into the world of politics through my previous internship for Senator John Smith. I was able to sit in on brain-storming sessions and strategic planning meetings. I am looking for a position in a Senate or House office where I can continue to strengthen the communication, research, and leadership skills I have developed in and out of the classroom.
Last summer, I served as an intern for Senator John Smith, where I gained invaluable insight into the world of national politics. In addition to drafting correspondence to constituents, I also had the opportunity to sit in on brain-storming sessions and strategic planning meetings. Currently, I am looking for a position in a Senate or House office where I can continue to strengthen the communication, research, and leadership skills I have developed in and out of the classroom.

26. Letter Sections Header Paragraph 1- Attention Paragraph 2 - Interest
Paragraph 3 - Fit
Paragraph 4 - Closing

27. Header
224 Hanes Hall Chapel Hill, NC August 28, 2013 Michelle White Turner Broadcasting Systems 1 CNN Center Atlanta, GA 30303
YOUR Address ->
Date ->
RECIPIENT Name and Address >
Try to find a person and title to address letter to

28. ATTENTION: 1st Paragraph
Indicate your reason for writing
Specify the position for which you are applying
State how you found the position
Include any prior contact with the employer or employees

29. Example
Dear Mr. Jones:
Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with Ms. Tricia Gibbs from your Marketing Department at a Careers Networking Night at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Ms. Gibbs suggested I contact you regarding my interest in the summer internship program at the Hilton Hotels Corporation. As a current student at UNC studying Marketing and PR, I believe I could be an asset to the summer internship program.

30. INTEREST: 2nd Paragraph
Mention why you are interested in:
The organization, position, their products or services
Do your research and show it off
This showcases your motivation and enthusiasm
Number one detail left out

31. Example
Hilton Hotels Corporation is the leader in the hospitality industry with a reputation that is unmatched. I have had the opportunity to stay at Hilton hotels on several occasions and was always impressed by the warmth of hospitality and attention to detail. Additionally, as someone very interested in the field of marketing, I instinctively pay attention to various companies’ marketing strategies. I found Hilton’s marketing team to be most impressive, specifically their work around the Hilton Honors program. The opportunity to learn from the best is something that I will take very seriously if given the chance.

32. FIT: 3rd Paragraph Why are you the right person for the position?
What skills do you bring to the employer?
Discuss your education, experience, skills
Focus on what is most important to the employer (Go back to the job description!)

33. Example
During my time at UNC, I have had a growing interest in marketing and public relations. Completing several business and communication classes piqued this interest and led me to the desire to gain some real world experience. Last summer I had the opportunity to intern at the National Sculpture Society in New York City. My position entailed developing web pages, utilizing social media and creating slideshows publicizing the success of the society's artists. I was able to utilize my web authoring skills, creativity and communication abilities to assist the organization in meeting their goal to promote sculpture. Additionally, I have been involved with and taken leadership roles in a few organizations on campus. Last semester I led the marketing team for Dance Marathon, a UNC club. Through my marketing and PR efforts I was able to increase the attendance for this year’s marathon which helped the club raise over $483,000 for a local children’s hospital.

34. CLOSING: 4th Paragraph Reiterate fit Invite them to contact you
Thank them for their time and consideration
Use Sincerely
Always sign your letter
Wrap it up!

35. Example
I am confident that I have the talents and background to make a difference for the Hilton and its marketing department. I would welcome the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications at your convenience. Please feel free to contact me by at or by phone (123) Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Joe A. Student

36. Questions?